Life balance is an issue for many working moms. Still, some have mastered multitasking. In today's society, mothers have to change diapers, set up playdates, manage the household, and attend conference calls. They are struggling to get their hands free by balancing their busy schedules.
Besides cooking dinner, carpooling, and creating Pinterest-worthy birthday parties, moms are also working overtime in their offices, climbing up the corporate ladder. However, what matters is not about striving for a perfect balancing act, but integrating all aspects of life so that you can bring yourself to everything that you have to do.
A marriage and family therapist in Claremont, California, Lorena Arguello, said that social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest have raised the expectations of mothers. She is sad to say that mothers tend to compare themselves to those who share about being able to manage their schedule well, ignoring the fact that only the good sides are being shown.
Below are eight testimonials of moms who want to share their secret to juggling their work-life balance, and the key points they want every mom to keep in mind.
Empowerment
Brand Director at "Yoga Journal", Kristen Dollard, 41, mom to Avery, 10, and Luke, 5, used to feel guilty for not being available to help out at a pizza party or to pick up her kids. She allows them to ride the bus. However, one mom told her that they need to help each other out. She was told that the golden rule is to love her fellow mom.
Staying positive
The New York Times bestselling author of "The Unhealthy Truth", Robyn O'Brien, 45, mom to Lexi, 17, Colin, 16, John, 14, and Tory, 12, unfriends those who drain her with negative energy. She knows that it is brutal, but it is essential to choose who you surround yourself with because you have many hours to spend in a day. Moms should choose wisely.
Disconnecting
Senior Vice President Talent at "ID Public Relations", Jillian Roscoe, 38, mom to Will, 9 months, sets boundaries to focus on work and family separately. Her inbox is never emptied, but she makes sure to keep her computer and iPad away to resist temptations. Once her baby falls asleep, she checks her mail to finish any pending work, but she makes sure only to consume 90 minutes of her time. She said it is hard to disconnect, but it is what keeps her sane.
Getting House Help
Digital Marketing Manager of "The Mom Project", Colleen Keilers, 36, mom to Gerald, 4, Noah, 3, and Maddock, 11 months advices moms not not to drown themselves in chores, instead, delegate some to husbands, babysitters, and even kids to keep up. She said that even if you want to balance everything on your own, some chores can be distributed to others.
Ordering Online
Vice President and Creative Director for "Sonya Dakar Skincare", Mimi Dakar Berry, 40, mom to Jacob, 5, and Eli, 3 uses delivery apps such as Google Express and Amazon Prime now, especially if she is out of town. She would cook before she leaves to keep the fridge packed. However, since her eldest is quite picky, she would always rely on getting some rotisserie chicken and chicken tenders delivered if she will be gone for two days.
Making Choices
Celebrity Trainer and Founder of "Mothers Into Living Fit", Desi Bartlett, 45, mom to Cruz, 8, and Rocket, 3 said that as a working mom with two young boys, she sometimes feels like having a birthday party every weekend. She has two systems to keep her boys happy. The first one is to buy presents in bulk, and the second is by alternating birthday parties with her husband. If her husband has to work, she goes to the party with the kids and vice versa.
Planning Ahead
Senior Accountant for "The Mom Project", Melina Harvey-Read, 33, mom to Lucas, 6, and Louis, 4 works at night to make up for the future time loss. Her schedule is different from the usual 9-to-5, so she has a planner that lists her pending work and her grocery items. This strategy works well to keep her sane.
Scheduling Play Dates
HR Coordinator, Nicolette Martin, 34, mom to Christopher, 4, and Vincent, 1 said that having lunch outside with her kids during the week is her favorite way to balance everything. The act refreshes her because it serves as a break from her work, and she can see her sons. They would talk about their activities in the morning or which park to go to before dinner. The kids go back to their babysitter after lunch. She gives her babysitter a little breather as well when she spends time with her kids.
Experts agree, and Arguello suggests that moms take a time-out of their busy schedules to find their happy place. In this way, they would not get burned out of their jam-packed schedule.
